Baldness: Elisha
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Baldness in the Bible is often associated with mourning, shame, or a divine judgment. However, in the context of the prophet Elisha, it becomes a focal point for a significant biblical narrative that underscores the respect due to God's appointed servants and the consequences of disrespect.

Elisha's Baldness and the Incident at Bethel

The most notable mention of baldness in relation to Elisha occurs in 2 Kings 2:23-25. After Elijah's ascension into heaven, Elisha, now the primary prophet in Israel, travels to Bethel. As he approaches the city, a group of youths comes out and mocks him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!" (2 Kings 2:23). This taunt is not merely a comment on Elisha's physical appearance but a profound disrespect for his prophetic office and, by extension, for God Himself.

Elisha's response is immediate and severe. He turns around, looks at them, and calls down a curse in the name of the LORD. Consequently, two female bears come out of the woods and maul forty-two of the youths (2 Kings 2:24). This incident serves as a divine vindication of Elisha's authority and a stark warning against mocking God's messengers.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

In the ancient Near Eastern context, baldness could symbolize various states, including mourning or disgrace. However, in Elisha's case, it becomes a symbol of the prophetic authority vested in him by God. The youths' mockery of Elisha's baldness is an affront to the divine calling and the power of God working through His prophet.

Theologically, this passage highlights the seriousness with which God regards the honor of His representatives. The punishment meted out to the youths underscores the principle that disrespect towards God's appointed leaders is tantamount to disrespect towards God Himself. This narrative serves as a reminder of the reverence due to those who carry God's message and the potential consequences of failing to honor them.

Elisha's Ministry and Legacy

Elisha's ministry, marked by numerous miracles and acts of divine intervention, is a testament to God's power and faithfulness. Despite the initial mockery he faced, Elisha went on to perform significant miracles, including the purification of water, the multiplication of oil, the raising of the Shunammite's son, and the healing of Naaman's leprosy. His life and works are chronicled in the books of 1 and 2 Kings, where he is portrayed as a powerful prophet who continues the work of his predecessor, Elijah.

Elisha's encounter with the youths at Bethel is a pivotal moment that sets the tone for his prophetic ministry. It establishes the divine authority and protection that accompany those who faithfully serve God, reinforcing the biblical theme that God defends His chosen servants against those who would scorn or oppose them.
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2 Kings 2:23
And he went up from there to Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said to him, Go up, you bald head; go up, you bald head.
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Library

Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace ...
... invader of the inheritance of another, and even reproaching him for his baldness. ...
up against Malachy the reproach that had been made against Elisha,[481] found ...
/.../chapter iv being made archbishop.htm

The Divine Word
... And for this reason, to produce baldness was regarded in ancient times as disgraceful.
The boys who called Elisha "bald head" were torn in pieces by bears ...
/.../swedenborg/spiritual life and the word of god/part fourththe divine word.htm

Introduction.
... At Elisha's request, Joash, King of Israel, shot arrows from a bow, in token of ... If
a deficiency in this department infers the risk of baldness in the exposition ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/introduction.htm

Spoken in Antioch in the Old Church, as it was Called...
... one, even like that of a head with many patches of baldness; even so ... Elisha received
the sheepskin as the greatest inheritance; for it was truly such; a more ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii spoken in antioch.htm

Resources
Why did the Prophet Elisha curse the “youths” for making fun of his baldness (2 Kings 2:23-24)? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about hair length? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about 2 Kings | GotQuestions.org

Baldness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Baldness

Baldness Natural or Artificial

Baldness: A Judgment

Baldness: Artificial, a Sign of Mourning

Baldness: Artificial, As an Idolatrous Practice, Forbidden

Baldness: Elisha

Baldness: General Scriptures Concerning

Related Terms

Shave (19 Occurrences)

Sackcloth (47 Occurrences)

Girding (8 Occurrences)

Beard (23 Occurrences)

Poll (5 Occurrences)

Shaved (23 Occurrences)

Mourning (85 Occurrences)

Lamentation (45 Occurrences)

Girded (48 Occurrences)

Eagle (27 Occurrences)

Korah (51 Occurrences)

Overwhelm (18 Occurrences)

Offensive (15 Occurrences)

Gazah (16 Occurrences)

Gash (3 Occurrences)

Wails (3 Occurrences)

Well-set (1 Occurrence)

Foreheads (14 Occurrences)

Rottenness (9 Occurrences)

Rope (10 Occurrences)

Religious (13 Occurrences)

Rags (6 Occurrences)

Everyone's (8 Occurrences)

Delightful (11 Occurrences)

Dressing (7 Occurrences)

Dibon (12 Occurrences)

Muck (2 Occurrences)

Bald (12 Occurrences)

Bald-head (1 Occurrence)

Branding (3 Occurrences)

Brand (4 Occurrences)

Baldy (1 Occurrence)

Bayith (1 Occurrence)

Curled (2 Occurrences)

Cuttings (5 Occurrences)

Ashkelon (12 Occurrences)

Ash'kelon (10 Occurrences)

Silenced (19 Occurrences)

Shuddering (2 Occurrences)

Stink (11 Occurrences)

Hair (135 Occurrences)

Flesh (468 Occurrences)

Weep (97 Occurrences)

Medeba (5 Occurrences)

Vulture (16 Occurrences)

Display (30 Occurrences)

Enlarge (18 Occurrences)

Belt (32 Occurrences)

Festivals (17 Occurrences)

Delights (39 Occurrences)

Forehead (23 Occurrences)

Covers (50 Occurrences)

Ruined (65 Occurrences)

Extend (35 Occurrences)

Nebo (13 Occurrences)

Delicate (32 Occurrences)

Gaza (22 Occurrences)

Bitterness (37 Occurrences)

Gird (44 Occurrences)

Girdle (44 Occurrences)

Odor (46 Occurrences)

Perished (76 Occurrences)

Horror (51 Occurrences)

Trembling (72 Occurrences)

Wear (56 Occurrences)

Singing (65 Occurrences)

Spices (64 Occurrences)

Beauty (98 Occurrences)

Rent (76 Occurrences)

Wept (78 Occurrences)

Latter (91 Occurrences)

Nought (104 Occurrences)

Loins (72 Occurrences)

Feasts (45 Occurrences)

Heads (439 Occurrences)

Exile (101 Occurrences)

Songs (100 Occurrences)

Baldness: Artificial, As an Idolatrous Practice, Forbidden
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